The Mini has proven more popular than anyone had expected
|
The one millionth Mini has rolled off the production line at Cowley, near Oxford, six years after the marque was revived by German parent BMW.
Mini sales have been consistently strong, much stronger than its owners had predicted, and it is now exported from the UK to 80 markets globally.
Some 700 Minis are produced every day at Plant Oxford, where 4,700 people work three shifts, seven days per week.
Currently, 200,000 cars are produced every year. This could rise to 300,000.
New models
BMW has invested £380m in the Cowley factory since 2000, in addition to investments in its Hams Hall engine factory near Birmingham and its pressings and sub-assembly plant in Swindon.
Some 4,700 people work at the Cowley plant
|
Further cash injections are expected as it continues to add further models.
Currently it produces various versions of its hatchback and convertible, and this year a Mini Clubman estate model will be launched.
Mini is among the marques that have risen from the ashes after BMW's disastrous acquisition of Rover came to an end in 2000.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~30~RS~)
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~30~RS~)
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
